Neuromuscular Thermography: An Analysis of Criticisms

Technological assessments of the neuromuscular applications of thermography have been prepared recently by various organizations, including the American Medical Association (AMA), the Joint Council of State Neurosurgical Societies of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the Office of Health Technology Assessment of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the American ?Academy of Neurology (AAN). Several of these evaluations, in part or in total, have been critical of the medical usefulness of thermography. In addition, other published papers have unfavorably reviewed the clinical role of thermography. In the light of the literature as well as my own clinical experience as a neurologist, I will examine the significant points and issues raised by this criticism, including clinical usefulness, abuse/misuse, published reports, and community acceptance of thermography. In addition, I will confront contradictions in the criticism of thermography as well as the role of political pressures in the assessment of thermography.